The first country to introduce a Code of Practice to protect international students

The Code of Practice for the Pastoral Care of International Students is monitored by the New Zealand Government, covering the entire education process, which all schools must follow. The Code provides an expectation of standards, advice and pastoral support to international students.

Top rankings for peace and prosperity

New Zealand is ranked the 2nd most peaceful country by the Global Peace Index. It's also the 2nd least corrupt nation, according to the Transparency International Corruption perception Index. The 2018 Legatum Prosperity Index ranks New Zealand as 2nd, ahead of the USA, UK and Australia.

Every New Zealand school adheres to a quality assurance system

The regulatory system allows students and their families to feel confident about choosing the school that best meets their needs.

The New Zealand education system gives students everything they need

Our system allows students to design an education that best meets their needs and personality. They can choose the type of school and its location, as well as the ideal study programme within a fresh new environment.

New Zealand is a diverse country. So is our education system

Students can choose from schools that are girls only, boys only or have both. Accommodation options vary and include homestays and on-campus boarding facilities.

The New Zealand school system

A flexible, supportive pathway that gives students the skills and qualifications to succeed anywhere in the world.

See where you fit in

Ages 5-10

Primary

Build a strong foundation in literacy, numeracy and a broad and balanced curriculum.

Ages 11-12

Intermediate

Ages 13-18

Secondary

Focus on subject-based learning, with growing opportunities to specialise as the student progresses.

Qualifications that open new futures

New Zealand offers a great range of education qualifications that are internationally recognised and easily transferable.

National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA)

New Zealand's main national schools qualification. Can also include the University Entrance qualification and is recognised by many countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia when attained at NCEA level 3.

The Cambridge Examinations

Approximately 60 New Zealand secondary schools offer this qualification. It can be attained at three levels in either year 11, 12 or 13 and uses a range of assessment methods with the emphasis on external exams. Coursework and internal assessment are also part of many subjects.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Developed in Geneva, the IB is designed to provide an internationally accepted qualification for entry to higher education. There are 21 World Schools in New Zealand offering one or more of the three IB programmes.

See what real students have to say

Yang

15, school pupil

Jerry Ren

Secondary school graduate

"We do all kinds of field trips, so school’s actually fun. That’s new for me!"

Yang | 15, school pupil

"We have small class sizes which helps to get a lot of one on one attention from the teacher."

Jerry Ren | Secondary school graduate

Our education experts and schools can help you make the best decision

Get help choosing the right school

Our experts have complete knowledge of New Zealand schools. They can work with you to find the course, institution and region of New Zealand that perfectly suits your needs.

Visa and paperwork

You will need to organise the relevant documents and our experts can help you get everything sorted.

Local experts all over the world

Wherever you are, you'll be able to find a New Zealand expert who can help you find the right information about studying in New Zealand.

Next steps

School representative

If you'd like to handle things yourself and know what or where you’d like to study, a representative from a School can give you all the information you need.